Elijah Hix

Title of Program: Quantum Chemical Biology

E-mail Address: ehix@vols.utk.edu

Hometown: Cookeville, TN  

Year: Freshman                        

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2022

Description of Program: My program focuses on learning the fundamental principles that are involved in the process of biocatalysis. The program also is heavily research based mainly involving the application of quantum chemical theories to biocatalytic systems (enzymes) in order to see if any common trends can be elucidated. The hope with this is that if trends are present that they will be able to be further applied in order to better guide the enzyme engineering process.

Departmental Emphases: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and BCMB

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Constance Bailey and Dr. Konstantinos Vogiatzis

Plans after grad uation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): After graduation I plan to attend graduate school in a chemistry or chemical biology program continuing my research on the quantum phenomena in biocatalytic systems.

Other Academic Interests: Modern American History, Philosophy, Quantum Field Theory

Study Abroad: Summer of 2020 I plan to study abroad in China.

Research Experiences or Internships:

• Summer 2018: Research Assistant at Tennessee Technological University
• Aug 2018: Member of Bailey Lab Group (ongoing)
• Jan 2019: Member of Vogiatzis Lab Group (ongoing)
• Summer 2019: Research Assistant at University of Tennessee

Part-time employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: Outside of class, I am a faithful member of the Tyson House Episcopal ministry, A member of the UT SMACS club, and the tenor section leader at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal church.